Old Dayton electric impact wrench

[brianl703]

Anyone know when this was made?

I'm guessing before 1963 given the use of a postal zone (Chicago 12) instead of a zip code in the address.

It does have a 3-prong grounding plug on the power cord.

 

[mrsilv04]

Good catch on the Chicago 12 postal code.

It could have been rewired and a had a cord with grounded plug added much later in its life.

 

[brianl703]

Also worthy of note is that it can run from 115V AC or DC. When in the mid-20th century would you still expect to find buildings with DC power?

 

[Variant_S]

Also worthy of note is that it can run from 115V AC or DC. When in the mid-20th century would you still expect to find buildings with DC power?

I recall that there were a few buildings in downtown Chicago that were DC powered as late as the 1960s. The only reference that I can find is this one about converting homes from gas to electric lighting in the 1920s.

 

[jhellwig]

Also worthy of note is that it can run from 115V AC or DC. When in the mid-20th century would you still expect to find buildings with DC power?

Older engine powered welders and ac powere dc welders used to only have a 115v dc output for tools. Several are still in use and you can still get ac/dc power tools.

 

[P10crew]

Older engine powered welders and ac powere dc welders used to only have a 115v dc output for tools. Several are still in use and you can still get ac/dc power tools.

This. Ftw. Lots of corded Milwaukee tools were and maybe still are dc rated for the portable welders rigs.

 

[brianl703]

Older engine powered welders and ac powere dc welders used to only have a 115v dc output for tools. Several are still in use and you can still get ac/dc power tools.

Go back far enough and even domestic appliances like vacuum cleaners and tube AM radios were designed to run on 115V AC or DC.

 

[brianl703]

I recall that there were a few buildings in downtown Chicago that were DC powered as late as the 1960s. The only reference that I can find is this one about converting homes from gas to electric lighting in the 1920s.

I remember reading that there were some in New York City as well.

 

[JC1]

Anyone know when this was made?

I'm guessing before 1963 given the use of a postal zone (Chicago 12) instead of a zip code in the address.

It does have a 3-prong grounding plug on the power cord.

View attachment 89364View attachment 89365

Maybe it was used on Al Capones Cadillacs?